Materials
Styrofoam tray
Pencil
Brayer (roller for
applying ink)
Paper (white or colored)
Newspaper
Water-based printing ink or paint (acrylic or tempera)

The first printed images made by man were relief prints. The term relief comes from the way the printing surface is raised above the background. The idea of carving an image onto a wood surface to print multiple images originated in China with the production of paper. The earliest known Chinese woodcut is a 17-foot-long scroll called Diamond Sutra, A.D. 868. It was discovered in a cave in 1907.

You can make a relief image to produce multiple images by reusing an item to create art that would otherwise be tossed away. Styrofoam trays hold everything from produce to vegetables and baked goods—recycle them by making relief prints that can be given to your mom for Mother’s Day (or to anyone you choose).

Process

Cut the edges off the Styrofoam to form a flat printing plate surface. Trace the outline of the plate onto a piece of paper. Plan the design of the printed image within the outlined area on the paper. A simple design will work best as you will be carving it into the plate. When you have settled on a design, lightly draw it on the plate.

Two approaches may be used to carve the relief image into the printing plate. The easiest is to use a pencil to push down the drawn lines, taking care not to cut through the plate. This method will print the negative areas—those that are not part of the drawing, but surround it. Try turning the plate as you make the cutting marks to prevent jagged areas.

The second approach is to draw double lines for the image using the pencil to press down all of the areas that will not receive ink. This method will print all of the positive areas making up the image—it is the same type of process used for a woodcut.

Place the relief plate on newspaper, apply a small amount of ink to the inking plate and roll the paint out evenly with the brayer, then roll the ink evenly onto the plate. Put the plate on a clean piece of newsprint with a piece of printing paper over it, and gently rub the paper with your hand. Remove the paper and check for areas that may need to be deepened with the pencil on the plate before you continue printing.

Re-ink the plate for each printing or the image will become fainter. Try printing on white and colored paper for varying effects. Use the brayer to apply ink to the paper before printing on it with a second color. Always place the inked plate on clean newsprint to prevent unwanted ink on the finished piece.

Sign the prints and number them as a series: 1/10, 2/10, etc. Trim the print and mount on mat board to be hung or on card stock to give as a card. This gift to your mother will demonstrate your talents and your love.

Frances A. Williams lives and teaches 6th-8th grade art in Piedmont. She has a BFA from OSU and an MED in Art from UCO. Frances enjoys teaching and getting people excited about art, believing everyone has something they can learn through the art process.